Don't Waste Your Money: Are discount pharmacy cards worth it?

With health insurers and employers making changes as a result of Obamacare, many of us are receiving letters in the mail about changes in health coverage.

If you find a new health discount card you may think it's part of the program, but be warned before you sign your name.

Unsolicited Cards In The Mail

Christine Ross recently opened her mailbox to find two discount pharmacy cards from the National Prescription Discount Network.

"All of a sudden I get what looks like prescription cards," Ross said. "And it says you've been preapproved."

They claimed they could save her up to 75 percent on prescriptions at Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, and other pharmacies. She wondered if it was part of Obamacare.

"It starts talking about all the things the new health care is supposed to do for people. And I said, 'Well, that sounds very nice.' But something felt fishy about it," said Ross.

The Los Angeles Times recently investigated the card and said it is legitimate. The card's parent company, Script Relief, is a marketing firm with a 'C+' rating from the BBB. Script relief explains in its promotional materials it is paid by drug companies when its cards are used.

What Should You Do?

So should you join? Maybe.

Consumerworld recently tested discount drug cards, including from Costco and AAA. It says discounts vary, but the average savings was just 16 percent off the list price, not 75 percent.

In the meantime, the Los Angeles Times cautions that with all these cards, you are sharing personal information.

"I'm real worried about privacy, and too much information out there," Ross said.

If you're confused by any health card or letter you receive in the mail, call your insurance company or check with Medicare. There's a good chance it has nothing to do with the government, or Obamacare.